Prospective Student Representatives 2026
Jacob Duenas III
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Where are you from?: Azusa, CA United States
Birthday: May 24
Undergraduate Institution: UCLA
Degree: BS in Biology, 2019
Random Fact: When I was a baby, I learned to walk before I crawled and I am convinced that is why I am kind of clumsy today and run into things often.Hobbies/Interests/Obsessions:I really enjoy going for runs around the neighborhood. I am definitely a plant dad, currently have about 30 different plants around my apartment. I am a pretty big foodie and I am always excited to eat and try new places!
Kevin Paik
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Where are you from?: Colorado Springs, Colorado United States
Birthday: December 24
Undergraduate Institution: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Degree: BA in Nursing, BS in Sociology
Random Fact: I grew up in a military family, mostly in California and Hawaii. Colorado is the most inland that I have ever lived. I hated it here when we first moved, but have since changed my mind as I have grown older and appreciate it much more.
Hobbies/Interests/Obsessions: Snowboarding, rock climbing are my two seasonal activities. Only recently started mountain biking. But my biggest current obsession is our new dog. Just took her home this January and she is adorable!
Melanie Mandell
MELANIE.MANDELL@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Where are you from?: Glencoe, Illinois United States
Birthday: February 28
Undergraduate Institution: Colorado College
Degree: BA in Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2020
Random Fact: I once worked security detail for Oprah
Hobbies/Interests/Obsesssions: Listening to music, running, baking, SCUBA diving
Morgan McCord
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Where are you from?: Indianapolis, IN United States
Birthday: July 8
Undergraduate Institution: DePauw University
Degree: BA in Biochemistry, 2018
Random Fact: I walk on my tippy toes
Hobbies/Interests/Obsessions: Thrifting, skiing, re-watching TV series, hiking 14ers
Mustafa Saeed
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Where are you from?: Khartoum, Khartoum Sudan
Birthday: August 27
Undergraduate Institution: Michigan State University
Degree: BA in Physiology, 2022
Random Fact: I have lived in four different countries
Hobbies/Interests/Obsessions: Soccer, arsenal, music, movies, exploring new cuisines
Ry Hemond (Rural Program)
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Where are you from?: Acton, MA United States
Birthday: March 1
Undergraduate Institution: Middlebury College
Degree: BA in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 2019.5
Random Fact: I went through seven full rolls of athletic tape while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail
Hobbies/Interests/Obsessions: Finding hidden hikes and swimming holes, reading too many books at once, and disappearing into the woods for months on end
Owen Zielinski
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Where are you from?: Loveland, Colorado United States
Birthday: May 28
Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University
Degree: BS in Biochemistry, 2021 and BS in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, 2021Random Fact: I attended ten different schools before graduating from high school
Hobbies/Interests/Obsessions: Creative writing and hosting and playing in online Survivor games
Helena Heister (Fort Collins)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Where are you from?: Colorado Springs, CO United States
Birthday: October 20
Undergraduate Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Degree: BA in Integrative Physiology, 2019 and MSc in Biomedical Sciences, 2022, Rocky Vista University
Random Fact: I love public transit
Hobbies/Interests/Obsessions: Skiing, hiking, volleyball, disc golf, embroidery, my cats, plants
Michelle Wehbe (Fort Collins)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Where are you from?: Brookings, South Dakota United States
Birthday: May 20
Undergraduate Institution: University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Degree: BS in Neuroscience, 2013
Random Fact: I still have two baby teeth
Hobbies/Interests/Obsessions: Travel, outdoor recreation, sewing and crafts
Office of Admissions Contact Information
- Jeffrey SooHoo, MD, MBA
Assistant Dean of Admissions - Karina Goodwin, MA
Admissions Manager - Lamar Cherry, BA
​Senior Admissions Specialist
Location
Building 500, First Floor
Mailing Address: 13001 E. 17th Place, Mailstop C292
Aurora, CO 80045
Phone: 303-724-6407
Fax: 303-724-8028
Email: MD-Admissions@cuanschutz.edu